Friday, 31 March 2017

In the wake of Cyclone Debbie: Areas in Queensland suffer “three times” their monthly rainfall as authorities worry many could have drowned overnight

Photo Getty Images

As tens of thousands of residents have
evacuated homes in northern New South Wales and Queensland Australian
authorities fear many people may have drowned as flooding from Cyclone Debbie
still grips the two states.

Yesterday flood waters continued to rise as
some areas had up to “three times” their monthly rainfall.

"There could be people overnight that
perished in that flood, we don't know at this stage," said Mark Morrow,
from the New South Wales State Emergency Service.

"There could be some very distressing
news."

Many pleas for help had gone unanswered
because it was too dangerous, he said.

The worst-hit areas included Lismore and
Tweed Heads in NSW, and the Gold Coast and Beaudesert in Queensland.

Unpredictable situation

Photo EPA

"Now is the time to leave. Do not
delay. Evacuation orders are mandatory," New South Wales State Emergency
Service said on Twitter on Thursday.

Authorities said flooding in some towns had
not yet reached its peak.

In other developments:

More than 2,000 Queensland schools remained
closed on Friday due to flooding

About 80,000 people lost power in NSW,
adding to tens of thousands without electricity in Queensland

One town, Upper Springbrook, recorded
almost 80cm (31ins) of rain on Thursday

Firefighters had "saved the
lives" of at least 85 people trapped in floods, Queensland authorities
said

Emergency crews may not reach some areas
until Saturday, Mr Morrow said

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